Mon, 02 Dec 2013
The 2014 edition of the highly respected Chambers UK Bar Guide again confirmed the high regard in which No5 Chambers' barristers and practice groups are held, ranking the set in 15 practice areas. Silks from No5 Chambers attracted 31 rankings, while juniors were awarded 79.
Highlighted as star individuals from No5 Chambers were Martin Kingston QC from the Planning Group and Simon Fox of the Clinical Negligence Group. Chambers UK also reported that exceptional practice director Tony McDaid, heads the “friendly and responsive” clerking team which drew special acclaim.
Looking at the Midlands Circuit, No5 Chambers was ranked Band 1 in twelve practice areas and Band 2 in two others as well as receiving an All Circuits Band 3 ranking for another practice.
No5's Steelhouse Lane chambers and its offices in London, Bristol and the East Midlands, house over 230 barristers including 26 Queen's Counsel. Chambers UK Bar Guide specifically ranked and recommended 95 barristers - over 40% of the tenants – with 42 awarded Band 1 rankings.
The Practice Groups ranked by Chambers UK Bar Guide include:
- Administrative and Public Law (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) – led by “highly respected” David Lock QC, who is himself Ranked Band 1. The team also includes “very good advocate” Ian Dove QC who “has a massive brain”, Nageena Khalique and Vinesh Mandalia.
- Clinical Negligence [Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit] – The Group includes several clinically qualified counsel. Also ranked Band 1 are Chris Bright QC, Dr Simon Fox and Dr Jonathan Punt.
- Commercial Dispute Resolution – “truly formidable trial lawyer” Mark Anderson QC is joined by the “approachable and flexible” Steven Reed; David Taylor who enjoys a good reputation and Glen Willetts who “provides clear and commercial advice”
- Company Law (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) - “very robust advocate” Mark Anderson QC is recognised by Chambers as one of the leading silks for company law matters. Also singled out for praise is David Mitchell, who is “a very good operator”.
- Chambers UK Bar Guide ranked No5’s Construction practice Band 1 in the Midlands Circuit, describing it as “the dominant presence in the Midlands construction sphere”. The team includes Kevin Barrett who delivers “excellent attention to detail”; the highly regarded Omar Ensaff and “all-round good construction barrister” Derek Pye; all three are ranked Band 1.
- David Lock QC, “a favourite with local authorities” and “the voice of reason” heads up the No5 Court of Protection Group. Colleagues highlighted by Chambers UK Bar Guide include “excellent barrister” Nageena Khalique and “extremely confident advocate” Laura Davidson.
- David Mason QC’s Crime Group is ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit. Chambers UK Bar Guide explains that members of this set are “regularly instructed in heavyweight crime matters”. Adrian Keeling QC demonstrates “excellent judgement” while David Mason QC is “particularly adept at handling large multi-handed fraud and murder trials”. Rex Tedd QC has “a wealth of experience”; Michael Duck QC is known for having “expertise in high profile and complex criminal cases”; and Mark Heywood QC has “an extensive practice in serious crime”. Other Silks include Christopher Hotten QC, and Michael Burrows QC, who are joined by juniors including Brian Dean, Talbir Singh, Michelle Heeley, Martin Liddiard, Phillip Bradley and “rising star” Harpreet Singh Sandhu
- No5’s Employment Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) is headed by “well-prepared” and “pragmatic” Richard Hignett who works extensively with public sector clients. Also highlighted are “thorough and detailed advocate” Anthony Korn; trained mediator Tim Sheppard who “understands the importance of client relationships”; Gemma Roberts, who “loves getting her teeth into meaty tribunal claims” and the “very down-to-earth” Helen Barney who is “particularly experienced in dealing with matters involving the NHS”.
- Environment (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) is a behemoth, that provides “a Rolls-Royce service”. Jeremy Cahill QC is “a leader in his field” and “needs no introduction”. The Group also includes the “very expert” Richard Kimblin and the “very knowledgeable” Gordon Wignall;
- Chambers UK Bar Guide notes that the Family Group is seen as “the market leader in finance” while “the strength in depth of the barristers” sets them apart. Lorna Meyer QC heads up the Family/Matrimonial Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit). She is “a leading silk in this area” and is joined by juniors Michele Friel who “is head and shoulders above the others”; “formidable negotiator” Stephanie Brown; the “pragmatic and practical” Christopher James; Robin Rowland who “is very highly regarded”, offering “well-judged submissions”; “expert negotiator” Ashley Wynne; Caroline Baker who is held in high regard and “very experienced” Anne Smallwood who is “ruthless in cross-examination”.
- The Health and Safety Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) is home to “excellent barristers with an outstanding knowledge” and represents clients including local authorities, regulators and the CPS. Rex Tedd QC is “a very accomplished barrister” with a “considerable brain”, while Bernard Thorogood is a “health and safety expert who can translate complex issues for clients”. Adam Farrer features on the Attorney General’s criminal specialist list and is “efficient” and “a safe pair of hands”.
- No5’s Immigration Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) appears in cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Members include Ramby de Mello who has “a very broad knowledge of immigration law and procedure”; Abid Mahmood, who displays “very detailed knowledge” and Vinesh Mandalia.
- No5’s Personal Injury Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit), is recognised “as a major force” with “indisputable strength and depth”. It is headed by Paul Bleasdale QC, “the undoubted leader for serious PI in the Midlands” whose “advocacy is second to none”. Other Silks in the Group include... the “very impressive” Christopher Bright QC. They are joined by “supremely knowledgeable” Malcolm Duthie; Simon Michael whose “eye for detail is amazing”; the “very experienced … approachable” Stephen Campbell; “switched-on barrister” Henry Pitchers who is “a dream to work with”; Richard Moat who offers “realistic, balanced advice”; the “very bright and able” Paul Evans; “very good … advocate” Karl Hirst and Matthew Brunning, whose “big strength is his knowledge”.
- No5’s Planning Group (Ranked Band 1 Midlands Circuit) is “at the cutting edge of the important issues on planning”. It is headed by “outstanding inquiry advocate” Jeremy Cahill QC, who is joined by Silks Martin Kingston QC who has a stellar reputation known for presenting arguments “in a robust and very persuasive fashion” and Ian Dove QC who “comes into his own in High Court”. Other members of the Group include the “well prepared and well presented” Peter Goatley; “energetic” and “popular” Christopher Young; Satnam Choongh who always has “a very clear case strategy”; “excellent advocate” Richard Kimblin; Timothy Jones and Hugh Richards who is “definitely some to have in your corner”.
- Barristers in the No5 Real Estate Litigation Group receive nationwide instructions and offer a “very high” level of service. David Mitchell’s strong chancery practice sees him regularly instructed on property matters while “very strong advocate” David Taylor “leaves no stone unturned” on behalf of clients including national developers and local authorities
No5 barristers were awarded All Circuits Ranking for Police Law - Adrian Keeling QC and Harpreet Singh Sandhu; and POCA Work and Asset Forfeiture - Martin Liddiard.
London Bar Rankings were awarded for Crime - David Howker QC; Planning - Ian Dove QC, Martin Kingston QC and Celina Colquhoun; Commercial Dispute Resolution - Paul Marshall; Costs Litigation - Gordon Wignall; and Immigration - Daniel Bazini, Edward Nicholson, Joanne Rothwell and S Chelvan.
Regions Rankings were awarded also to barristers for Fraud – David Howker QC, Ian Bridge and Mark Kelly; and Western Bar Ranking for Clinical Negligence to Dr Simon Fox.
Barristers from No5 Chambers who were awarded Midlands’ rankings include David Lock QC for Civil Liberties and Human Rights; Mark Anderson QC for Commercial Dispute Resolution and Professional Negligence; Vinesh Mandalia for Immigration; David Mitchell and David Taylor for Chancery; Nageena Khalique for Civil Liberties and Human Rights and Clinical Negligence; Emma Brown, John Coughlan, Karl Hirst, Nageena Khalique, Simon Michael and David Tyack for Clinical Negligence; Bernard Thorogood for Consumer Law; Stephen Whitaker for Partnership; and Omar Ensaff for Restructuring/Insolvency.
Tony McDaid, Practice Director at No5 Chambers, says: “We are very pleased with the recognition by Chambers UK Bar Guide not only of the strength and depth of the legal expertise wielded by barristers at No5 Chambers on behalf of clients but also of the practice managers and clerks who work hard to support all our tenants.”
No5 barristers accept instructions from solicitors and, under the Bar Council's Licensed Access arrangements, from other qualified professionals. Some counsel will also accept instructions from companies and public bodies within the Bar Council's Public Access Rules. Many No5 members are Qualified Mediators for those matters requiring an alternative approach. A full list of members' interests can be consulted here.
